Cargo carrying vehicle

ABSTRACT

A cargo carrying vehicle capable of switching its shape among a flat body type, a flap type, a container type and a combination of the flat body flap types to match the type of cargo to be loaded, comprising guide members provided on its platform or a loading platform of a truck, and a foldable and extensible sealing cargo store chamber consisting of two sides and a ceiling integrally formed by connecting plate-shaped reinforcing materials with sheet-shaped exterior materials and adapted to be movable engaged with the guide members. The cargo store chamber can be double-structured by fitting additional flaps inside thereof. This cargo carrying vehicle can provide the cargo store chamber with a sealing feature to completely block winds and rains during transportation by the integrated structure of the two sides and a ceiling of the chamber by the connection of the plate-shaped reinforcing materials with the sheet-shaped exterior materials. Furthermore, required strength and rigidity can be provided to the cargo store chamber, and the folding and extending of the cargo store chamber facilitated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to motor-trucks, truck-trailers, and othercargo carrying vehicles, the platform of which can be changed into thoseof various forms to suit the types of cargoes to be loaded thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor-trucks, truck-trailers, and other cargo carrying vehicles areavailable in various types; for example, the plain body type, the flaptype with which side walls are attached to the plain body type, and thecontainer type with which the sides, the rear and the ceiling arecovered. However, these types can be used only as a single type, and acertain type of vehicle cannot be changed into another type of vehiclefor use.

Therefore, a vehicle of the type suitable for the types of cargoes to beloaded is selected for use. Thus, for cargoes which are large in sizeper piece and have a definite shape, for example long steel products inthe shape of square bars and round bars, and timbers, the plain bodytype is used. For cargoes which have an indefinite shape, such as scrapsand powdery articles, the flap type, i.e. the type with which cargoescan be easily loaded and unloaded from the top and loss of cargoes canbe prevented, is used. To load a number of relatively small box-likearticles, the container type, i.e. the type which allows loading andunloading from the side by means of a fork, is used.

Thus, conventionally, the type of vehicle to be used is determined tosuit the types of cargoes to be loaded. For example, assuming thatvarious forms of cargoes are transported between the points A and B,when large cargoes having a definite shape are to be transported fromthe point A to B, the plain body type vehicle is used. When cargoeshaving an indefinite shape are to be transported from the point B to A,the flap type vehicle or the container type vehicle is used. Therefore,various types of vehicles must always be prepared. In addition, becauseeach vehicle is empty on the return trip, the operation efficiency andtransportation efficiency for the vehicle is low, and the driver of thevehicle must make a wasted run on the return trip.

For example, when long steel products are arranged on the platform andtransported with a vehicle of the plain body type, the platform oftenmakes the return trip with no cargo, if no large-sized cargoes are readyto be transported after the cargo is transported to its destination andunloaded. This results in poor transportation efficiency and an overloadbeyond the limit on the Road Traffic Act, which is caused by loading thelargest possible quantity of cargoes when the cargoes are ready to beloaded. The poor transportation efficiency also results intransportation working hours beyond the limit of the regulation, and anincrease in traffic jams.

To solve these problems, the inventor of the present inventionpreviously conceived a cargo carrying vehicle of a form which can bechanged on site between the plain type, the flap type, and the containertype, depending upon the types of cargoes to be loaded, and filed apatent application thereof (Japanese laid-open No. 9-286357).

The present invention is an advanced type of the previous invention. Apurpose of the present invention is to provide a cargo carrying vehiclewhich can easily be changed into various modes by simply carrying outfolding and expansion of the cargo containing chamber thereon havingnecessary strength in two side walls and a ceiling when the cargocontaining chamber is integrated. Another purpose of the presentinvention is to provide a cargo carrying vehicle with which operation ofloading and unloading articles can be carried out extremely easily, byusing a crane or a wrecker truck according to need, and which have asealed cargo containing chamber completely shutting out wind and rain intransporting articles even of large size or heavy weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cargo carrying vehicle of the invention is characterized in that guidemembers are installed on its platform or a loading platform of a truckand a foldable and expandable cargo containing chamber having a sealingperformance integrally constituted with two side walls and a ceiling byconnecting plate-shaped reinforcement materials with sheet-shapedexterior materials is movably engaged with the guide members.

According to the invention, a configuration as described above is takenand thus, the cargo containing chamber can easily be extended andfolded, and the cargo carrying vehicle can be changed into various modesfor use.

For example, by folding the cargo containing chamber and shifting it toa front portion of the platform or completely removing it from theplatform, the cargo carrying vehicle of the invention can be used as aplain body type vehicle. Further, by expanding and forming the cargocontaining chamber, the cargo carrying vehicle can be used as acontainer type vehicle.

According to the invention, by integrally constituting the two sidewalls and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber by connecting theplate-shaped reinforcement materials with sheet-shaped exteriormaterials, the cargo containing chamber is provided with a sealingperformance and invasion of wind and rain can be prevented completely intransporting articles. Further, the cargo containing chamber is providedwith necessary strength and rigidity, and folding and expansion of thecargo containing chamber can easily be carried out.

Another cargo carrying vehicle of the invention is characterized in thatthe cargo containing chamber is double-structured by fitting additionalflaps inside thereof. According to the cargo carrying vehicle, forexample, by folding the cargo containing chamber and the inside flap andshifting them to a front portion of the platform or completely removingthem from the platform, the cargo carrying vehicle of the invention canbe used as a plain body type vehicle. When only the inside flap isassembled, the cargo carrying vehicle of the invention is used as a flaptype vehicle. On the other hand, with only the outside cargo containingchamber being assembled, a container type vehicle is provided. Further,when both of the inside flap and the outside container are assembled,the cargo carrying vehicle of the invention can be used as a compositevehicle of flap type and container type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 8 show an example in which the present invention is appliedto a truck.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cargo containing chamber beingfolded and shifted to the front of the platform.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cargo containing chamber whichis being assembled.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cargo containing chamber which iscompletely assembled.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of a top unit accommodating acargo containing chamber wall member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of an intermediary unit of thecargo containing chamber.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of contiguous units just beforeconnected.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing how the contiguous unitsare connected.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the cargo containing chamber wallmember. (A) and (B) show different types of the wall members.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing how the cargo containing chamber wallmember is folded in such a state that seams are formed in the inner sidedirection.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing how the cargo containing chamberwall member is folded in such a state that seams are formed in the outerside direction.

FIGS. 11 to 19 show another example in which the invention is applied toa truck.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the truck in which a cargo containing chamberis assembled.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is assembled.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the rear.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the rear.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the front.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the front.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing how the cargo containing chamber isfolded.

FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing how the cargocontaining chamber is folded.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the side wall of the cargo containingchamber.

FIG. 20 shows another example of wall members for constituting the sidewall and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber.

FIGS. 21 to 24 show another example of the wall members for constitutingthe side wall and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of connecting portion between the side walland the ceiling.

FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged sectional view of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing how the cargo containing chamberis folded.

FIG. 24 is a partially enlarged schematic view of FIG. 23 shown in thedirection of the arrow.

FIG. 25 shows another example of the cargo containing chamber.

FIGS. 26 to 31 show an example in which the invention is applied to atrailer.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the trailer in which a cargo containingchamber is assembled.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the trailer in which the cargo containingchamber is assembled.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the trailer in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the rear.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the trailer in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the rear.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the trailer in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the front.

FIG. 31 is a plan view of the trailer in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the front.

FIGS. 32 to 36 show an example of guide members and cargo containingchamber wall member.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view showing how the cargo containing chamberwall member is folded and accommodated in the guide members.

FIG. 33 is a partially enlarged side view of the cargo containingchamber which is being folded in the forward direction.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of FIG. 33 in the crosswise direction.

FIG. 35 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the cargo containingchamber wall member which is cut away partially.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the wall member for constituting thecargo containing chamber.

FIGS. 37 to 40 show an example in which front wall of the cargocontaining chamber fixed to a rear portion of a driver's seat andmovable gatepost installed at a front end portion of the cargocontaining chamber are engaged attachably and detachably.

FIG. 37 shows a state just before the movable gatepost is engaged withthe front wall.

FIGS. 38 and 39 show a locking piece for engaging the front wall and themovable gatepost.

FIG. 40 is a partially enlarged view which illustrates how the frontwall and the movable gatepost are engaged as a flashing. (A) shows theceiling portion. (B) and (C) show the right side portion and the leftside portion seen from above, respectively.

FIGS. 41 to 43 show another example in which the invention is applied toa truck.

FIG. 41 is a side view of the truck in which a cargo containing chamberis assembled.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is assembled.

FIG. 43 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 41.

FIGS. 44 to 46 show another example in which the invention is applied toa truck.

FIG. 44 is a side view of the truck in which a cargo containing chamberis folded and shifted to the front.

FIG. 45 is a side view showing how to assemble auxiliary guide membersof the truck of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 shows how to use the auxiliary guide members.

FIGS. 47 and 48 show another example in which the invention is appliedto a truck.

FIG. 47 is a side view of the truck in which a cargo containing chamberis assembled.

FIG. 48 is a side view of the truck in which the cargo containingchamber is folded and shifted to the front.

FIG. 49 is a view in which the invention is applied to a truck and acargo containing chamber thereon is folded and shifted to the rear.

FIGS. 50 to 52 show another example in which the invention is applied toa truck.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the truck in which a cargo containingchamber is folded and an inside flap unit is assembled.

FIGS. 51 and 52 show how to swing an intermediary unit mounted insidethe cargo containing chamber.

FIG. 53 is a side view showing how a frame member of a unit forconstituting the cargo containing chamber and guide members are engaged.

FIG. 54 is a sectional view of FIG. 53 taken in the vertical directionof the paper.

FIG. 55 is a side view in which the invention is applied to a truck.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Here is a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

According to the invention, guide members are installed on a platform ofa cargo carrying vehicle and a foldable and expandable cargo containingchamber integrally constituted with two side walls and a ceiling byconnecting plate-shaped reinforcement materials with sheet-shapedexterior materials is movably engaged with the guide members. Guidemembers include a rail, rack, and grooved member. Although the guidemembers are normally installed at both side ends of the platform, theymay be installed in the central area of the platform. The cargocontaining chamber is provided with such rotating members as wheels andbearings or gears engaging with the guide members.

Material of the plate-shaped reinforcement materials for constitutingthe cargo containing chamber of the invention is not particularlyrestricted, and any material that can provide the cargo containingchamber with necessary strength and rigidity can be used. Suitableplate-shaped reinforcement materials include such a metal plate as analuminum plate and a steel plate, a wooden plate, and a synthetic resinplate reinforced with fiber material as needed. Also suitable are acomposite material of a sandwich panel constituted by inserting a lightweight core member such as a roll core or a honeycomb core comprisingfoam plastic material, paper, or aluminum between metal thin plates.According to the invention, the plate-shaped reinforcement materialsignifies a reinforcement material partitioning a constant area such asa complete plate-like member as well as a frame partitioning an outerperipheral portion of a plate-like member and a frame member installedwith a reinforcement member in a lattice-like shape or a louver-likeshape. When a frame member is used as a plate-shaped reinforcementmaterial, the sealing performance can be ensured by covering a total ofthe frame member with sheet-shaped exterior materials.

According to the invention, the cargo containing chamber is constitutedintegrally with the two side walls and the ceiling by connecting theseplate-shaped reinforcement materials with sheet-shaped exteriormaterials. Any conventional material including cloth of various naturalfibers, sheet of synthetic resin such as nylon, polyester, polyolefin,and polyvinyl chloride, and rubber sheet can be used for producing theexterior material. As methods of connecting plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials with an exterior material, there are pointed out, for example,methods in which (1) two sheets of sheet material are pasted together byadhesion or sewing operation and a plate-shaped reinforcement materialis inserted thereinto and (2) contiguous plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials are connected with a sheet-shaped exterior material by anadhesive agent or a locking piece.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, according to the invention, the cargocontaining chamber can constituted by an top unit, an arbitrary number(including 0) of intermediary units, and an top unit. Each unit has aframe member comprising two posts arranged at two side portions of theplatform and a beam for connecting the posts. The frame member may beconfigured in a gate-like shape by connecting upper portions of twoposts by a beam. It is also possible to connect the two posts by twobeams at both upper and lower portions. The frame member is installedwith wheels, bearings or gears at its lower portion for engaging withthe guide members.

The top unit contains a foldable and expandable cargo containing chamberwall member having a sealing performance integrally constituting the twoside walls and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber and a memberfor constituting a front wall of the cargo containing chamber. The topunit may be fixed at the front of the platform or may be made movable sothat the top unit can be completely removed from the platform. Theintermediary unit may be constituted only with the frame member. It ispossible that the cargo containing chamber wall member is divided intotwo or more pieces and the divided pieces are mounted on the top unitand on the intermediary units (see FIG. 2). The end unit contains aplate-like member for constituting a rear wall or door of the cargocontaining chamber. The plate-like member may comprise the same materialas that of the wall member constituting the two side walls and theceiling of the cargo containing chamber.

Engaging means for engaging with contiguous unit may be provided at theend portion of each unit. The engaging means include conventionalconnecting materials and magnets. Movement of the respective units canbe carried out manually and it is also carried out automatically by apower source of a motor. The number of the intermediary units to beinstalled and the size of the cargo containing chamber wall member areselected in conformity with the size of a vehicle. When the platform issmall as is the case with a small-sized truck, the cargo containingchamber can be constituted by the top unit and the end unit with theintermediary units being omitted.

According to the invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 through 16, the cargocontaining chamber is made foldable and expandable by connecting aplurality of plate-shaped reinforcement materials in the forward andrearward direction of the platform of the cargo carrying vehicle andwhen the cargo containing chamber is folded, folding seams can be formedto expand in the outer side direction at two side walls and/or a ceilingof the cargo containing chamber.

In order to form the folding seams to expand in the outer side directionwhen the cargo containing chamber is folded, there are methods in which(1) an expandable material is used at a portion of connecting a memberfor constituting the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber and amember for constituting the side wall, (2) a bag-like material havingallowance in dimensions is used at the portion of connecting the memberfor constituting the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber and themember for constituting the side wall and (3) an expandable material ofelastomer is used in place of the plate-shaped reinforcement material ata portion or an entire face of the portion for constituting the ceilingof the cargo containing chamber, and the methods can pertinently beselected.

By forming the folding seams in the direction of expanding to the outerside when the cargo containing chamber is folded, according to the cargocarrying vehicle of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, thecargo containing chamber can be folded on the forward side or therearward side of the platform without changing the space of the cargocontaining chamber. Generally, according to a cargo carrying vehicle, tofacilitate loading and unloading of articles, a standardized vessel of acontainer or a pallet is frequently used and a dimension of the platformin the width direction is determined in conformity with a dimension of acontainer or a pallet. Therefore, when the cargo containing chamber isfolded, in the case where the space of the cargo containing chamber inthe width direction remains unchanged, the dimension of the platformneeds not to change and accordingly, standards or fabrication lines ofconventional cargo carrying vehicles can be used as they are. Further,the practical effect of the invention is extremely significant such asthe cargo containing chamber is folded only in loading and unloadingoperation of articles, the loading and unloading operation canefficiently be carried out by using a crane or a wrecker truck andnormally, extra space is not needed in running or parking a vehicle bymaking expandable the cargo containing chamber.

According to the invention, as shown in FIGS. 26 through 31, byconnecting a plurality of plate-shaped reinforcement materials in theforward and rearward direction of a platform of a cargo carryingvehicle, the cargo containing chamber is made foldable and expandableand a folding seam can be formed in the inner side direction at bothside walls and/or a ceiling of the cargo containing chamber when thecargo containing chamber is folded.

In order to form the folding seam in the inner side direction when thecargo containing chamber is folded, as shown in FIG. 35, at a portion ofconnecting the plate-shaped reinforcement material for constituting theceiling of the cargo containing chamber and the plate-shapedreinforcement material for constituting the side wall, notches arepreferably installed at end portions of the respective plate-shapedreinforcement materials so that the plate-shaped reinforcement materialfor constituting the ceiling and the plate-shaped reinforcement materialfor constituting the side wall do not overlap in the folding operation.

By forming the folding seam in the inner side direction when the cargocontaining chamber is folded, according to the cargo carrying vehicle ofthe invention, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, the cargo containing chambercan be folded on the front side or the rear side of the platform withoutchanging the dimension in the width direction of the cargo containingchamber. By folding the cargo containing chamber on the forward side,the cargo carrying vehicle of the invention can be used as a cargocarrying vehicle of a flat body type. Therefore, the efficiency of usingthe vehicle and the transportation efficiency can be promoted bychanging a mode of the vehicle in correspondence with the kind of cargoto be transported and reducing vacant running. Further, even when it isused as a cargo carrying vehicle of a container type and the cargocontaining chamber is folded on the front side or the rear side of theplatform in the operation of loading and unloading articles, extra spaceis not needed on the side of the vehicle and the operation of loadingand unloading can efficiently be carried out by using a crane or awrecker truck.

Dimensions of the plate-shaped reinforcement material for constitutingthe cargo containing chamber wall member can arbitrarily be selected.For example, there can be selected (1) a wide width of a width of about30 cm through substantially a half of a width of the platform (refer toFIGS. 11, 26) or (2) a narrow width of a width of about 3 through 10 cm(refer to FIGS. 2, 47). The length of the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterial can pertinently be selected in conformity with the kind ofarticles to be transported and the size of the platform of the cargocarrying vehicle.

FIG. 32 shows a preferable example of guide members wherein the cargocontaining chamber is constituted with plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials of a wide width and the folding seam is formed in the innerside direction when the cargo containing chamber is folded. According tothis example, guide members are constituted by outer side restrictingmembers and inner side restricting members installed at both side endportions of the loading platform and comprise containing portions forthe folded cargo containing chamber wall member at a front end portionand/or a rear end portion of the loading platform. Using such guidemembers, folding and expansion of the cargo containing chamber cansmoothly be carried out and invasion of wind and rain from the lower endportion of the cargo containing chamber is prevented by the outer siderestricting members.

In the case where the cargo containing chamber is constituted withplate-shaped reinforcement materials of a narrow width, when the cargocontaining chamber is folded in the inner side direction, the reductionof the space in the width direction of the cargo containing chamber(about twice as wide as the width of the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterial) can be made small.

According to the invention, by integrally constituting the two sidewalls and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber by connecting theplate-shaped reinforcement materials having a strength with sheet-shapedexterior materials, the side walls and the ceiling are provided withnecessary strength when the cargo containing chamber is integrated.Further, the sealing performance of the cargo containing chamber isensured and invasion of rain and wind can be prevented even in runningthe vehicle in rainy weather. Further, folding and expansion of thecargo containing chamber can be carried out with regularity.

When the cargo containing chamber is constituted without unitization,the cargo containing chamber is installed at its front end portion andrear end portion with frame members each having two posts arranged attwo side portions of the platform and a beam for connecting the twoposts, and the frame member fixes a member of a plate-like member forconstituting a front wall and a rear wall. The rear wall is generallyinstalled with a door at its entire face or a portion. Conventionaldoors such as a double-hinged door, a single-hinged door or a ascendableand descendable shutter may be used as the door. The frame member may beconfigured in a gate-like shape by connecting upper portions of twoposts by a beam. It is also possible to connect the two posts by twobeams at both upper and lower portions. The frame member is installedwith wheels, bearings or gears at its lower portion for engaging withthe guide members. The frame members may be installed at intermediaryportion of the cargo containing chamber.

When frame members are installed also at intermediary portion of thecargo containing chamber, as shown in FIG. 41, respective frame membersare connected by connecting members so that the cargo containing chambercan integrally be folded and expanded.

When frame members are installed at intermediary portion of the cargocontaining chamber, in the case of constituting the cargo containingchamber by the plate-shaped reinforcement materials having a wide width,as shown in FIG. 11, it is preferable to install the intermediary framemembers at every two sheets of the plate-shaped reinforcement materialsconstituting the cargo containing chamber (at every folding seam when itis folded). When the cargo containing chamber is constituted by theplate-shaped reinforcement materials having a narrow width, a pluralityof the plate-shaped reinforcement materials are arranged betweencontiguous ones of the frame members. The number of the plate-shapedreinforcement materials for constituting the cargo containing chamber inthe length direction of the platform is not particularly restricted sofar as it is two (one folding seam when it is folded) or more and canpertinently be selected in conformity with the width of the plate-shapedreinforcement material, the kind of articles to be transported, and thesize of the cargo carrying vehicle.

An springing member such as a hinge with a spring, a leaf spring, ahelical spring, a pin or an elastic member made of rubber or the likefor urging the folding seam portion in the folding direction, can beinstalled between contiguous plate-shaped reinforcement materials and/orbetween the plate-shaped reinforcement materials and the frame members(refer to FIG. 25). By arranging such an springing member, thedirectionality of the folding seam is provided with regularity, foldingof the cargo containing chamber is facilitated and strength of the cargocontaining chamber is also improved.

A front end portion of the cargo containing chamber may be fixed to arear portion of a driver's seat. Further, the front end portion may bemade attachable to and detachable from a plate-like member installed atthe rear portion of a driver's seat, for constituting a front wall ofthe cargo containing chamber, so that the front end portion can bemovable to the rear portion of the platform.

To constitute the front end portion of the cargo containing chambermovable to the rear portion of the platform, for example, as shown inFIGS. 37 through 40C, it is preferable that a frame member in agate-like shape constituting a rain gutter portion is installed at theouter circumference of the plate-like member constituting the front wallof the cargo containing chamber fixed to the rear portion of thedriver's seat and that the front end portion of the cargo containingchamber is installed with a movable post in a gate-like shape attachablyand detachably engaged with the rain gutter portion. Further, it ispreferable to install packings comprising an elastic material of rubberat a portion of connecting the rain gutter portion and the movable postto secure a sealing performance. By adopting such a constitution,waterproof at the engaging portion in running the vehicle in rainyweather is made complete. Such a waterproof constitution is also used ata portion of connecting units of unitized cargo containing chamber.

The cargo containing chamber may be installed with a cover sheetcovering each of the front end frame, the intermediary frames and therear end frame as well as the connecting portion thereof over a totalarea of the two side walls and the ceiling of the cargo containingchamber. Such a cover sheet can more effectively prevent invasion ofrain water from the connecting portion of the cargo containing chamber.Although any conventional sheet material such as cloth made of variousnatural fibers, a synthetic resin sheet made of nylon, polyester,polyolefin or polyvinyl chloride, or a rubber sheet may be used asmaterial for constituting the cover sheet, it is preferable to usewaterproof sheet material.

Further lower portions of the two side walls of the cargo containingchamber may be installed with waterproof members in a skirt-like shapeconsisting of elastic sheets of plastics or rubbers having a waterproofperformance so that invasion of rain water from lower end portions ofthe cargo containing chamber is prevented in running the vehicle inrainy weather.

As shown in FIG. 45, foldable auxiliary guide members continuouslyconnected to guide members may be installed at a rear end portion of theplatform of the cargo carrying vehicle. In the operation of loading andunloading articles, the auxiliary guide members are extended andconnected to the guide members. By folding the cargo containing chamberrearward and mounting it on the auxiliary guide members, the operationof loading and unloading articles can more easily be carried out byfully utilizing the space of the platform.

As still another configuration of the invention, the cargo containingchamber is double-structured by fitting additional flaps inside thereof.The flap includes conventional flaps fixed to the platform. Further, theflap may be constituted by movably mounting a flap unit foldable in boththe longitudinal and horizontal directions on the platform. When thecargo containing chamber is made double-structured by using the movableflap unit, by folding both of the cargo containing chamber on the outerside and the flap unit on the inner side and shifting them to the frontof the platform, the operation of loading and unloading articles caneasily be carried out. The flap to be mounted on the inner side may beconstituted through an entire length in the longitudinal direction ofthe cargo containing chamber as well as partially in the longitudinaldirection of the cargo containing chamber.

By constituting the cargo containing chamber in a double structure, intransporting a large-scale cargo, a heavy-weight article or a cargohaving an indefinite shape, the side wall of the cargo containingchamber is saved from excessive pressure and the cargo can safely betransported.

In order to mount the flap unit movably on the inner side of the cargocontaining chamber, other guide members are installed inside the guidemembers for movably engaging with the cargo containing chamber, and theflap unit is movably engaged with the guide members.

As previously suggested in Japanese laid-open No. 9-286357 by theinventor, the flap unit may be unitized and constituted by an arbitrarynumber (including 0) of intermediary units and an end unit. It ispreferable that the respective units are constituted by two postsarranged at two side portions of the platform and a beam for connectinglower portions of the posts to provide the units with a necessarystrength.

One side end of a flap side wall member is pivotally attached to thepost of each of the intermediary units, the other side end of the sidewall member is locked by means of engaging with a groove installed at apost of a contiguous unit, and the flap may be formed by successivelyconnecting the side wall members via posts of units. Further, the lowerportion of the end unit may be installed with a rear wall member pivotalin the horizontal direction of the platform. Either the number of theintermediary units or the dimension of the side wall member forconnecting contiguous units can pertinently be selected in conformitywith the size of the vehicle.

Although movement of the cargo containing chamber and/or the flap unitmounted on the inner side of the cargo containing chamber can be carriedout manually, it is also carried out automatically by a power source ofa motor. When the movement of the cargo containing chamber and/or theflap unit is carried out automatically, it is preferable that contiguousframe members and posts are constituted to move integrally by connectingthem so that folding and expansion of the cargo containing chamber andthe flap are carried out smoothly.

The following Examples serve to illustrate the present invention in moredetail. They are, however, not intended to limit its scope in anymanner.

EXAMPLE 1

FIG. 1 through FIG. 8B are views showing an example in which theinvention is applied to a truck. In these drawings, notation 1designates a truck, notation 2 designates a platform, notation 30designates a top unit, notation 40 designates an intermediary unit andnotation 50 designates an end unit.

According to the example, a cargo containing chamber 4 is formed by thetop unit 30 containing a foldable and expandable cargo containingchamber wall member 60 having a sealing performance integrallyconstituting two side walls and a ceiling of the cargo containingchamber, two of the intermediary units 40 each connecting upper portionsof two posts 58 by a beam 59 in a gate-like shape and the end unit 50.Each of the intermediary units also contains the cargo containingchamber wall member 60 and the end unit is installed with adouble-hinged door 10 constituting a rear wall of the cargo containingchamber 4. Rolling members (not illustrated) of wheels or casters areinstalled at lower portions of the posts of the respective units and aremounted to movably engage with rails (not illustrated) installed on bothside ends of the platform of the truck.

Although material of the post and the beam constituting the unit is notparticularly restricted, normally, a metal having strength such as steelis used for the post and the beam. The number of the intermediary units40 can pertinently be increased or decreased in conformity with the sizeof the platform.

As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, the beam 59 of the intermediary unit isinstalled with a cargo containing chamber wall member containing portion11 and a rain gutter 12 in the horizontal direction. Further, an endportion of the cargo containing chamber wall member is installed with aunit frame eaves 13 for engaging with a beam of a contiguous unit and apacking 14 comprising a material of rubber for engaging with the postand an intermediary between the units is sealed by a frame couplingfastener 15 to thereby prevent invasion of rain water. The post isinstalled with a rain gutter 16 in the vertical direction communicatingwith the rain gutter in the horizontal direction and excludes rain waterpermeating from a clearance between the unit frame eaves and the beam.The connecting portion of the unit may be installed with a cover sheet(not illustrated) covering the connecting portion as well as two sidewalls and the ceiling at its peripheral edges over a total area thereof.

The cargo containing chamber wall member 60 integrally constitutes thetwo side walls and the ceiling by a wall member constituted by pastingtogether two sheets of nylon canvas and inserting a plate-shapedreinforcement material 18 comprising an aluminum thin plate having thethickness of 0.5 mm and the width of 45 mm among folding seams 17. Inthis way, necessary strength is provided to the wall of the cargocontaining chamber 4 and the cargo containing chamber wall member 60 isenabled to fold by a folding width of about 50 mm.

According to the example, the double-hinged door 10 is mounted to anentire face of the end unit 50 and a rear wall is constituted by thedoor. There can naturally be constructed a separate constitution inwhich the door is made by a single-hinged one or the rear wall isconstructed by a plate-like member and a door is installed at a portionthereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, the truck becomes a vehicle of a flat body type in astate in which the intermediary units 40 and the end unit 50 are foldedand shifted to a front portion of the platform. As shown in FIG. 3, thetruck can be used as a vehicle of a container type when the intermediaryunits 40 and the end unit 50 are moved to predetermined positions andthe cargo containing chamber 4 is formed by expanding the cargocontaining chamber wall member 60. Movement of the respective units canbe carried out by the hand and there can be constructed a constitutionin which they are driven by a motor as necessary.

EXAMPLES 2 AND 3

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D and FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are schematicviews showing various examples of cargo containing chamber wall membersused in the invention. According to the cargo containing chamber wallmember 60 of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, the folding seam 17 is foldedtoward the inner side direction when the cargo containing chamber wallmember is folded. The folding seam 17 is formed in the inner sidedirection as the cargo containing chamber wall member 60 is successivelyfolded as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D. Accordingly, as the cargocontaining chamber wall member 60 is folded, inner space is graduallynarrowed, however, the plate-shaped reinforcement materials are arrangedbetween the folding seams 17 according to the cargo containing chamberwall member 60 of the invention and accordingly, a reduction in thespace can be made small by narrowing the folding width.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are views showing other example of a cargocontaining chamber wall member according to the invention. In the cargocontaining chamber wall member 60, a cut line 20 is provided to aportion of connecting a portion of the cargo containing chamber forforming a ceiling and a portion thereof for forming a side wall thereofand an expandable material backs the cut line 20 (not illustrated). Theseam 17 is formed to expand to the outer side direction as the cargocontaining chamber wall member 60 is successively folded as shown inFIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. A portion of the cargo containing chamberwall member 60 in a triangular shape surrounded by the folding seams 17at the portion of connecting the ceiling and the side wall contiguous tothe cut line 20, is also arranged with the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterial 18 comprising an aluminum thin plate to thereby facilitateexpansion of the folding seam 17 between the ceiling portion and theside portion to the outer side direction in folding the wall member.

EXAMPLE 4

FIGS. 11 through 19 are views showing other example in which theinvention is applied to a truck. In these drawings, notation 1designates a truck, notation 2 designates a platform, notation 3designates a rail for constituting a guide member and notation 4designates a cargo containing chamber.

According to the example, the guide members 3 are installed at two sideend portions of the platform 2 of the truck 1 and the foldable cargocontaining chamber 4 is movably engaged with the guide members 3. In thecargo containing chamber 4, the side walls and the ceiling areintegrally constituted by connecting the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials 18 with sheet-shaped exterior materials (not illustrated) andthe cargo containing chamber 4 is constituted by a front wall 5 fixed toa rear portion of a driver's seat, a movable post 6 comprising a framemember in a gate-like shape attachably and detachably engaged with thefront wall 5, intermediary frame members 7 in a gate-like shapeinstalled at intermediary portions of the cargo containing chamber and arear end frame member 9 in a gate-like shape engaged with a rear wall 10in a door-like shape.

Although materials for constituting the movable post 6, the intermediaryframe member 7 and the rear end frame member 9 are not particularlyrestricted, normally, metals of steel and aluminum are used. Althoughthe front wall 5 and the rear wall 10 are also normally constituted bymetal, a composite material of plastics strengthened by wood material orfiber material may be used.

The number of the plate-shaped reinforcement materials 18 forconstituting the side walls and the ceiling of the cargo containingchamber 4 can pertinently be increased or decreased in conformity withthe size of the platform, further, the intermediary frame members 7 maybe omitted.

When the cargo containing chamber is folded, as shown in FIG. 17, thefolding seams are formed in a direction of expanding to the outer sideat the side walls and the ceiling.

According to the example, a cut line 20 is provided at the portion ofconnecting a plate-shaped reinforcement material for constituting theside wall of the cargo containing chamber 4 and a plate-shapedreinforcement material for constituting the ceiling and the cut line 20is arranged with an expandable material 65 comprising elastic resin orrubber. Therefore, the folding seam is formed in the direction ofexpanding to the outer side at the side wall and the ceiling when thecargo containing chamber 4 is folded. Further, a waterproof sheet 24comprising elastic material of plastic or rubbers is attached in askirt-like shape at the lower end portion of the plate-shapedreinforcement material 18 constituting the side wall of the cargocontaining chamber and invasion of rain water is prevented in runningthe vehicle in rainy weather. (refer to FIG. 18)

As the plate-shaped reinforcement material 18 for constituting the sidewalls and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber, according to theexample, there is used a sandwich panel constituted by inserting a lightweight core member 22 comprising foam plastic material of polystyrenefoam or the like between metal thin plates 21 of aluminum as shown inFIG. 19. Each of the sandwich panels is connected to a contiguous panelor the intermediary frame member 7 by an adhesive agent or rivets with asheet-shaped exterior material 23 comprising nylon canvas.

EXAMPLE 5

FIG. 20 is a view showing other example of the plate-shapedreinforcement material 18 constituting the side wall and the ceiling ofthe cargo containing chamber 4. According to the example, a containingportion in a bag-like shape is installed by pasting together two sheetsof nylon canvases as the exterior material 23 by sewing operation or anadhesive agent and the aluminum plate 18 is contained at inside thereofto thereby constitute the wall member of the cargo containing chamber.

EXAMPLE 6

FIGS. 21 through 24 are views showing other example of a constitution ofthe side wall and the ceiling of the cargo containing chamber 4.

According to the example, the cut line 20 is provided at the portion ofconnecting the plate-shaped reinforcement material for constituting theside wall of the cargo containing chamber 4 and the plate-shapedreinforcement material for constituting the ceiling and the cut line 20is arranged with a bag-like material 19 comprising normal sheet materialand having allowance in dimensions. Accordingly, the folding seam isformed in a direction of expanding to the outer side at the side walland the ceiling when the cargo containing chamber 4 is folded. Further,the rain gutter portion 16 is attached between the bag-like material 19and the plate-shaped reinforcement material 18 for constituting the sidewall of the cargo containing chamber 4 and the inside of the cargocontaining chamber is prohibited from being wetted even when rain waterinvades from the cut line 20 between the side wall and the ceiling ofthe cargo containing chamber 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, thebag-like material 19 is installed with a backing member 61 andwaterproof is made complete by strengthening the connection between theplate-shaped reinforcement materials 18 and the bag-like material 19.

EXAMPLE 7

FIG. 25 is a view showing other example of the cargo containing chamber4.

According to the example, a hinge with a spring is installed as anspringing member 43 between the plate-shaped reinforcement materials 18for constituting the side wall or the ceiling and the intermediary framemember 7 to facilitate folding of the cargo containing chamber 4.Further, the springing member 43 can be installed between contiguousplate-shaped reinforcement materials.

EXAMPLE 8

FIGS. 26 through 36 are views showing an example in which the inventionis applied to a trailer.

According to the example, the cargo containing chamber 4 is constitutedsuch that the folding seam is formed in the inner side direction at theside wall and the ceiling when the cargo containing chamber 4 is folded.Containing portions 11 for the folded cargo containing chamber wallmember are installed at a front and a rear end portion of the platformof a trailer 51. Basic constitutions of the front wall 5, the movablepost 6, the intermediary frame members 7 and the rear end frame member 9for constituting the cargo containing chamber 4 are the same as those ofthe truck of Example 4.

In this example, the guide member 3 is constituted by an outer siderestricting member 44 and an inner side restricting member 45 comprisinga plate-like member of metal. The containing portions 11 for the foldedcargo containing chamber wall member are installed at front end portionsand rear end portions of the guide members 3. The guide members 3 areslidably engaged with the movable post 6, the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials 18, intermediary frame members 7 and the rear end frame member9 for constituting the cargo containing chamber 4. (refer to FIG. 32)

In this example, as the plate-shaped reinforcement material 18 forconstituting the side wall and the ceiling of the cargo containingchamber 4, there is used metal thin plates of aluminum having asectional shape shown in FIG. 36. Strength of the plate-like member isincreased by installing a rib 41 at a central portion of the section.

The cargo containing chamber 4 is provided with a containing portion ina bag-like shape by pasting together two sheets of exterior materials 23comprising nylon canvas by sewing or an adhesive agent and is integrallyconstituted by inserting the plate-like member at inside thereof. At theportion of connecting the plate-shaped reinforcement material forconstituting the side wall of the cargo containing chamber 4 and theplate-shaped reinforcement material for constituting the ceiling, asshown in FIG. 35, notches 42 are provided at end portions of therespective plate-shaped reinforcement materials 18 such that theplate-shaped reinforcement material 18 for constituting the ceiling andthe plate-shaped reinforcement material 18 for constituting the sidewall do not overlap in folding operation.

EXAMPLE 9

FIGS. 37 through 40C are views showing other example in which theinvention is applied to a truck. According to the example, the frontwall 5 of the cargo containing chamber fixed to the rear portion of thedriver's seat and the movable post 6 installed at the front end portionof the cargo containing chamber are engaged attachably and detachably.

The front wall 5 of the cargo containing chamber fixed to the rearportion of the driver's seat is constituted by installing at the outercircumference of the plate-like member constituting the front wall aframe member 25 in a gate-like shape made of metal having a sectionalshape as shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C. An opening portion 28 of theframe member is fitted with the movable post 6 in a gate-like shapecomprising a frame member having the sectional shape shown in FIGS. 40A,40B and 40C at entire faces of the two side walls and the ceiling of thefront end portion of the cargo containing chamber. Packings 26comprising an elastic material of elastic resin or rubber are installedover an entire face of the movable post 6 at portions of the movablepost 6 bonded with the frame member 25 to thereby constitute waterproof.A rain gutter portion 27 is installed at the lower portion of the framemember 25 and water drops leaked from the packings are excluded downwardfrom the rain gutter portion 27 via a side wall portion of the frame 25.As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the movable post 6 is attachably anddetachably fixed to the frame member 25 by a lock piece 29 installed atthe frame member 25.

Although according to the example, the sectional shape of the movablepost is formed in a channel-like shape directed downwardly and thepackings 26 are installed on a front face and an upper face of thechannel-like shape, the packing 26 may be installed only on the frontface or the upper face of the channel-like shape. Further, the designcan naturally be changed pertinently such that the sectional shape ofthe movable post 6 is formed in a channel-like shape directed upwardlyor the sectional shape of the frame member 25 is changed.

EXAMPLE 10

FIGS. 41 through 43 are views showing other example in which theinvention is applied to a truck.

According to the example, the cargo containing chamber 4 is constitutedby the plate-shaped reinforcement materials 18 having a wide width.Further, the movable post 6, the intermediary frame members 7 and therear end frame member 9 which are contiguous to each other are connectedby connecting members 62 and operation of folding the cargo containingchamber 4 is integrally carried out. A connecting piece 63 having a longsliding groove 64 is installed to each frame member and one end of theconnecting member 62 is slidably connected to inside of the slidinggroove 64. Although in this example, the connecting members 62 areinstalled on the side walls and the ceiling of the cargo containingchamber 4, there may be constructed a constitution in which theconnecting members 62 are installed at either one of the side walls andthe ceiling.

EXAMPLE 11

FIGS. 44 through 46 are view showing other example in which theinvention is applied to a truck.

The example is provided with a constitution similar to that of the truckof Example 4 except that foldable auxiliary guide members (rail) 56continuously connected to the rails 3 are installed at rear portions ofthe rails 3 installed at the two side portions of the platform 2 of thetruck. The auxiliary guide members 56 are normally contained in a statewhere they are folded at the lower portions of the rail 3 as shown inFIG. 44. In using the auxiliary rails, by pivoting them by 180 degree atrear end portions of the rail 3 as shown in FIG. 45, they areconstituted to be integral with the rail 3. A stand 57 is pivotablyinstalled at end portions of the auxiliary guide members 56. In loadingand unloading articles, as shown in FIG. 46, by moving the folded cargocontaining chamber 4 on the auxiliary guide members 56, the operation ofloading and unloading articles can be carried out by fully utilizing thespace of the platform.

The auxiliary guide members installed at the rear end portions of therail 3 may be constructed by a constitution in which they are folded inthe horizontal direction on the same plane as that of the platform.

EXAMPLE 12

FIGS. 47 and 48 are views showing other example in which the inventionis applied to a truck. According to the example, the cargo containingchamber 4 is integrally constituted by connecting a number of theplate-shaped reinforcement materials having a narrow width. Further, thecargo containing chamber 4 is double-structured by fitting additionalflaps 53 inside thereof. In this example, the flap 53 is partiallyinstalled on the rear portion of the cargo containing chamber.

EXAMPLE 13

FIG. 49 shows a view showing other example in which the invention isapplied to a truck. In this example, the flap 53 is partially installedon the front portion of the cargo containing chamber. The otherconstitution of the truck is the same as that of the truck of Example10.

EXAMPLE 14

FIGS. 50 through 52 are views showing other example in which theinvention is applied to a truck.

According to the example, the cargo containing chamber is constituted bya top unit, intermediary units and an end unit similar to the truck ofExample 1. Further, a flap unit movable on the platform is mounted onthe inner side of the cargo containing chamber 4 to thereby constitutethe cargo containing chamber in a double structure. In order toconstitute such a double structure, a duplex of guide members 33 ofrails or the like are installed on the two side end portions of theplatform 2 of the truck 1. The intermediary unit 40 and the end unit 50for constituting the cargo containing chamber 4 are movably engaged withthe outer side guides by wheels, casters or gears and the flap unit isengaged with the inner side guides similarly movably.

The flap unit is constituted by intermediary units 54 and an end unit 55similar to the movable units of the cargo containing chamber 4. Theintermediary unit 54 is constituted such that lower portions of twoposts 34 arranged at the two side portions of the platform are connectedby a beam 35, one side end of a plate-like member 32 for constituting aside wall of the flap is pivotably attached to the post by a hinge 46(FIG. 51) and the other side end is locked by locking means of a grooveinstalled at a contiguous unit (not illustrated). In that case, the sidewall of the flap needs some degree of strength and the plate-like member32 is preferably constituted by one sheet.

Further, by installing the hinge 46 at the lower portion of the post 34,as shown in FIG. 52, the side wall of the flap can be made pivotal to anouter side of the platform after integrating the flap unit on the innerside and taking out and in of articles is facilitated.

Similar to the intermediary unit 54, lower portions of two posts of theend unit 55 are connected by a beam and a plate-like member forconstituting a rear wall of the flap is mounted to be pivotal in thehorizontal direction in respect of the platform. Further, two side endportions of the plate-like member are locked to the posts by retainingpieces. A central portion of the plate-like member for constituting therear wall is reinforced by a reinforcement material as necessary.

The truck becomes a vehicle of a flat body type in a state in whichmovable units for constituting the cargo containing chamber on the outerside and the flap unit on the inner side are both folded and shifted tothe front portion of the platform. It becomes a vehicle of a flap typein a state in which only the flap unit on the inner side is integrated.Further, it becomes a vehicle of a container type when only the cargocontaining chamber on the outer side is integrated. Further, it can beused as a composite vehicle of a container type and a flap type whenboth of the cargo containing chamber on the outer side and the flap uniton the inner side are integrated.

FIG. 53 and FIG. 54 are a side view and a sectional view showing anexample of a state of engaging the respective frame members forconstituting the cargo containing chamber and the guide members 33installed on the two side portions of the platform 2 of a cargo carryingvehicle. In these drawings, notation 36 designates a retaining piece forfixing the intermediary frame member 7 to the platform 2 and notation 37designates a wheel.

The guide member 33 comprises a rail member 38 slidably engaging with abase portion 31 of the intermediary frame member 7 via the wheels 37 anda rail member 39 having a section in an L-like shape for slidablycontaining the plate-shaped reinforcement material 18 for constitutingthe side wall of the cargo containing chamber. The rail member 39 alsoserves to prevent rain water from invading from the lower end portion ofthe cargo containing chamber.

EXAMPLE 15

FIG. 55 is a view showing other example of a cargo carrying vehicleaccording to the invention.

According to the example, by connecting the respective frame members forconstituting the cargo containing chamber to motors 47 via a chain 48,movement of the cargo containing chamber 4 is automated. The otherconstitution is basically the same as that of the truck of Example 4.

As described above, according to the cargo carrying vehicle of theinvention, by integrally constituting the two side walls and the ceilingof the cargo containing chamber by connecting the plate-shapedreinforcement materials having a strength by sheet-shaped exteriormaterials, the side walls and the ceiling are provided with necessarystrength when the cargo containing chamber is integrated. Further, theceiling performance of the cargo containing chamber is ensured andinvasion of wind and rain can be prevented even in running the vehiclein rainy weather. Further, folding and expansion of the cargo containingchamber can easily be carried out with regularity. Further, by simplychanging the mode of the cargo carrying vehicle, it is used as a vehiclehaving a different type and the efficiency of using the vehicle and thetransportation efficiency can be promoted. Further, according to thecargo carrying vehicle of the invention, in loading and unloadingarticles, by using a crane or a wrecker truck as necessary, operation ofloading and unloading articles can be carried out extremely easily.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cargo carrying vehicle, comprising: (a) aplatform; (b) guide members installed on the platform; and (c) afoldable and expandable cargo containing chamber including two sidewallsand a ceiling, the chamber being movably engaged with the guide membersthe chamber comprising: (i) a top unit comprising a fixed member forconstituting a front wall of the cargo containing chamber and a firstpiece of a foldable and expandable cargo containing chamber wall, thewall being integrally and sealingly formed of plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials connected with sheet-shaped exterior materials, (ii) apredetermined number of intermediary units, each of the intermediaryunits including a second piece of a foldable and expandable cargocontaining chamber wall, the wall being integrally and sealingly formedof plate-shaped reinforcement materials connected with sheet-shapedexterior materials, and (iii) an end unit comprising a member forconstituting a rear wall of the cargo containing chamber, (iv) whereinthe respective units are movably engaged with the guide members.
 2. Thecargo carrying vehicle according to claim 1, said cargo carrying vehiclefurther comprising engaging means for engaging contiguous units.
 3. Thecargo carrying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the topunit, the intermediary units and the end unit comprises two postsinstalled at two side portions of the platform and a beam connectingupper ends of the two posts, the beam is installed with a horizontalrain gutter, and the posts are installed with vertical rain gutterscommunicating with the horizontal rain gutter.
 4. The cargo carryingvehicle according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is foldable in anouter side direction.
 5. The cargo carrying vehicle according to claim4, wherein the cargo containing chamber includes, where a memberconstituting the ceiling and a member constituting the side wall areconnected, an expandable material and/or a bag-like material.
 6. Thecargo carrying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the chamber isfoldable in an inner side direction.
 7. The cargo carrying vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials is inserted between two sheet-shaped exterior materials. 8.The cargo carrying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein contiguousplate-shaped reinforcement materials are connected to each other withthe sheet-shaped exterior materials.
 9. The cargo carrying vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials is a sandwich panel constituted by inserting a light weightcore member between metal thin plates.
 10. The cargo carrying vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein spring members are installed betweencontiguous plate-shaped reinforcement materials and/or between theplate-shaped reinforcement materials and frame members.
 11. The cargocarrying vehicle according to claim 1, wherein waterproof membersconsisting of elastic sheets are installed at lower portions of the twoside walls of the cargo containing chamber.
 12. The cargo carryingvehicle according to claim 1, wherein movement of the cargo containingchamber is automated.
 13. A cargo carrying vehicle, comprising: (a) aplatform; (b) guide members installed on the platform; and (c) afoldable and expandable cargo containing chamber including two sidewallsand a ceiling, the chamber being integrally and sealingly formed ofplate-shaped reinforcement materials connected with sheet-shapedexterior materials, the chamber being movably engaged with the guidemembers, the chamber being foldable in an outer side direction, and thechamber further comprising an expandable material and/or a bag-likematerial where a member constituting the ceiling of the chamber and amember constituting the sidewall of the chamber are connected.
 14. Thecargo carrying vehicle according to claim 13, wherein each of theplate-shaped reinforcement materials is inserted between twosheet-shaped exterior materials.
 15. The cargo carrying vehicleaccording to claim 13, wherein contiguous plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials are connected to each other using the sheet-shaped exteriormaterials.
 16. The cargo carrying vehicle according to claim 13, whereineach of the plate-shaped reinforcement materials is a sandwich panelconstituted by inserting a lightweight core member between metal thinplates.
 17. The cargo carrying vehicle according to claim 13, whereinspring members are installed between contiguous plate-shapedreinforcement materials and/or between the plate-shaped reinforcementmaterials and frame members.
 18. The cargo carrying vehicle according toclaim 13, wherein waterproof members consisting of elastic sheets areinstalled at lower portions of the two sidewalls of the cargo containingchamber.
 19. The cargo carrying vehicle according to claim 13, whereinmovement of the cargo containing chamber is automated.